Community News

Wolverhampton’s Carer Support Team will be marking Carers Week 2019 with a series of events, including craft sessions and celebratory lunches for carers and the people they look after.

The week of activities begins with the Carer Support Team’s monthly Carers Café at Light House Media Centre on Monday 10 June.

The café is open to all carers, and to celebrate Carers week they will also get 20% off meals at the Light House café and discounted cinema tickets on production of their Carers Emergency Card.

Also on Monday, Information Officer Melinder Kaur will be hosting an information stand at Waitrose from 2.30pm-4pm, where people will be able to find out more about the help and support available from the team.

The first of two Carers Celebratory Lunches takes place on Tuesday 11 June at the Nickelodeon, Bentley Bridge Way, Wednesfield, from noon-2pm, with carers and the people they care for invited to enjoy a carvery lunch.

On Wednesday 12 June, there will be a Craft Taster session, with carers invited to learn how to make felt to create beads or venture into the art of hat making by designing a fascinator. The session takes place at The Maltings, Herbert Street, Wolverhampton from 1pm to 3pm.

The second Carers Celebratory Lunch takes place on Thursday 13 June from noon-2pm at The Gatehouse Hungry Horse, Donington Grove, Wolverhampton.

The week of events wraps up on Friday 14 June with another Craft Taster session, with people able to explore their creative flair while learning how to make a fantasy film flower which can be displayed to catch the sunlight. This session also takes place at The Maltings from 1pm-3pm.

David Watts, the City of Wolverhampton Council's Director of Adult Services, said: “Caring can be a hugely rewarding experience, but at the same time it is often challenging for carers to be able to look after their own well-being.

"These Carers week events are an excellent opportunity for carers to enjoy a bit of well-deserved ‘me time’, meet other carers and find out more about the help that is available to them as they carry out their vital role."

Carers provide unpaid care and support to a family member or friend who has a disability, illness, mental health problem or who needs extra help as they grow older.

The Carer Support Team offers a range of services to carers, ensuring they are supported in their caring role, have access to the help they need and are able to claim the benefits they are entitled to.

They provide practical information, guidance and advice on a range of matters including benefits and short breaks for carers, and offer a range of other services including carer assessments, the Carers Emergency Card and training in skills such as first aid.

Carers Week runs from 10-16 June 2019 and is an annual campaign to raise awareness of caring, highlighting the challenges that carers face and recognising the contribution they make to families and communities. Around 6.5m people in the UK are carers, looking after a parent, partner, child or friend.

The old adage ‘waste not, want not’ has become a thing of the past, as a new survey shows that thousands of parents are regularly binning toys in perfect condition.

From Buzz Lightyear to Mr Potato Head, the British Heart Foundation’s survey found that nearly a quarter (23 per cent) of parents in the West Midlands, admit to throwing away toys in perfect condition.

It also revealed that toys’ days are numbered from the moment they leave the box, with the majority of kids losing interest in just over a month (36 days).

One in five (20 per cent) of parents in the West Midlands said their children lost interest in a toy in the first 11 hours of play.

Furthermore, the figures showed children have an average of four toys they’ve never even played with. This means there could be a staggering 162 million toys that have never been played with in the UK.

On the upside, over two thirds of UK adults (73 per cent) would buy a second hand toy for their child or children, although just over half (53 per cent) have ever donated a toy to charity that their child or children no longer play with.

According to the survey, over two thirds (68 per cent) of children’s toys in the region are predominantly made of plastic.

In light of these stats, the British Heart Foundation (BHF) is urging the public to take part in its ‘Toy Amnesty’ over the Easter break. Donating to one of the BHF’s 550 shops nationwide couldn’t be easier, with the charity offering a free toy collection service between 8th and 12th April.

Generous donors can use the #MyToyStory hashtag on social media to tell the BHF a bit about the toy they’re donating. Or why not label up your item and tell the new owner a bit about where it came from.

With the survey suggesting that 66 per cent of the nation’s children’s toys are predominantly made of plastic, the charity say the campaign could prevent many toys ending up in landfill and give them a new lease of life. Last year the BHF enabled 70,000 tonnes of items to be re-used thanks to donations to its shops.

The proceeds of all toy donations will help fund research into beating heart and circulatory disease.

Allison, Swaine-Hughes, Retail Director at the British Heart Foundation, said: “As a parent I know how easy it can be for outgrown toys to be piled everywhere, with some not played with for months. The British Heart Foundation’s Toy Amnesty is here to help clear out those toys that are ready for a new home and a new adventure. Call the BHF for a free collection or pop in to one of our 550 shops and donate in person – you could even pick up a donated toy at the same time. Every item sold in a BHF shop helps us to raise funds for our life-saving heart research and prevents thousands of once loved items ending up in landfill.”

eBay Toy Expert at the British Heart Foundation, Chris Walker, gives his advice on which toys make the best donations: “Your old toys, which you may just see as outdated bric-a-brac, could be worth hundreds or even thousands. If they’re still unopened or even if you have the original packaging, your donations could raise vital funds for charity.

“Items such as Polly Pocket, Subbuteo, Corgi cars, Transformers, Star Wars and Lego, are all big sellers on our eBay shop. They often have cult followings and are in high demand from collectors. Toys from the 80s and early 1990s are popular too, as a lot of people who were children then are parents today and are keen to share the nostalgia from their childhood with their own kids.”

The Mayor of the West Midlands, Andy Street, has today called on the Government to apologise on the centenary of the Jallianwala Bagh, or Amritsar, massacre.

The Mayor visited the site of the incident in October last year following a trade visit with the Midlands Engine to Maharashtra.

MPs will discuss the massacre at a Westminster Hall debate in Parliament. The Mayor is asking the Government to issue a public apology in response to the debate.

Mayor Street said: “This week, 100 years ago, a terrible incident took place in Amritsar.

“Many people lost their lives. Families and communities were shattered by the 1650 bullets fired by British troops on innocent civilians.

“When I went to Amritsar in October it was even clearer to me that this incident is a stain on our history, but it was also clear that it should not be forgotten.

“Let us remember this day and the people - 379 Sikhs, Muslims and Hindus who lost their lives. Sir Winston Churchill rightly called it ‘a monstrous event' and David Cameron described it as a ‘deeply shameful event in British history’.

“It is now time for a formal apology by the British Government as a mark of respect, so that our progressive relationship with India is no longer dampened by this aspect of our past.

“I know that for many people in the West Midlands of Punjabi heritage a formal apology would be a sign of good faith and would enable us to build even stronger relationships between our two countries.”

The Churnet Valley Railway has announced that Class 31 31271 ‘Stratford 1840-2001’ will be visiting them this springtime.

31271 is visiting the railway for their Diesel Gala for 2019.

This visit is thanks to A1A Locomotives, and to the Llangollen Railway Diesel Group, who have altered their roster ahead of the locomotives visit.

It will be the first time a 31 has worked on the Churnet Valley Railway in preservation, though a tour did continue onto Ironbridge in 1984.

31271 was initially bought by A1A Locomotives as a source of spares in 1998 for their other Class 31s. It was purchased by them from EWS Railways and transferred from Toton to the Midland Railway Butterley where the locomotive was placed on display.

In 2000 it was decided to restore the locomotive, return to service happened in April 2002 and following bodywork repairs, the locomotive was named at the National Railway Museum at their RailFest 200 in 2004. Since repairs, 31271 has performed well at the Nene Valley Railway, though now she is moving to the Llangollen Railway on a 2 year period.

The only opportunity for the members of the public to travel behind the locomotive will be during the diesel gala over the May Bank Holiday of the 4 – 6 May.

As part of her visit, 31271 will be being used on Driver Experience courses. This is a must for any 31 fan and will encompass the whole 14 miles. The experience will last for approximately 2.5 hours and includes a meal plus an invite to bring up to six guests to join you for your experience who can ride on the carriages as you take the controls.

Driver Experience courses are available 09 April 2019, 10:00, 12:00 and 15:00.

A new era for a much-loved Sutton Coldfield venue has commenced.

Royal Sutton Coldfield Town Hall, which has been under Birmingham City Council stewardship since 1974, transferred ownership to a charitable trust at a well-attended and enthusiastic hand-over ceremony. Royal Sutton Coldfield Community Town Hall Trust will now assume responsibility for the building on behalf of the people of the Royal Town.

The transfer is essential for the Trust in order for it to raise the necessary funds for future development of the Edwardian theatre and community event space, which is expected to require in the region of £3-4 million. The Trust has been working closely with the City Council over the past two years to achieve a smooth transfer.

The Board of Trustees is made up of local volunteers passionate about arts and heritage. It has been overseeing the running of the new bookings and operational team since November 2016, which has successfully created a full programme of new shows and events at the venue, from Northern Soul dances to live bands. A newly refurbished bar, using money donated by the late Sir Doug Ellis, has completely refreshed the lounge area of the venue and has resulted in the number of private hires rising dramatically.

The ceremony was attended by local community leaders and users of the Town Hall. It opened with a medley of songs from ‘Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat’ performed by the new Sutton Coldfield Musical Youth Theatre, which is based at the venue.  The ceremony also included speeches from Councillor Ian Ward, Leader of Birmingham City Council and Richard Mason, Chairman of the Charity Trust, who accepted the keys from the Council leader. The proceedings were launched with a speech by local Member of Parliament, Andrew Mitchell, who is Honorary President of the Trust.

Guests were given a personal tour of the Town Hall’s feature exhibition by Birmingham micro-sculptor Dr Willard Wigan MBE, which launched on Monday and is on display until 26 April. The exhibition, titled ‘Through the Looking Glass’ contains 24 sculptures in microscopes, including a brand new Alice in Wonderland, smaller than a newspaper full stop, with eyes the size of blood cells. The Town Hall hopes to attract visitors of all ages over the Easter season and to raise awareness of forthcoming events and fundraising efforts.

The transfer has resulted in a reconstitution of the Board of Trustees, made up of Chairman Richard Mason, Claire Bridges, Russell Ludlam and Kevin Boyd. They have been joined by Councillors Janet Cairns and Ewan Mackey representing Royal Sutton Coldfield Town Council, plus David Pears, nominated by Birmingham City Council.

A dedicated volunteer officially opened Birmingham St Mary’s Hospice’s latest shop in Northfield coinciding with the charity’s milestone anniversary celebrations.

Nancy Byrne from Moseley has been volunteering at the Hospice for 40 years, ever since it opened its doors and cared for its first patient in March 1979.

The big-hearted volunteer will be a familiar face to many patients, family members and loved ones who have visited Birmingham St Mary’s over the years, as she is best known for welcoming people on reception.

Before the Hospice opened, Nancy was part of the original ‘Friends of St Mary’s Fundraising Group’ that helped raised the £358k needed to open the Hospice. She then decided to volunteer because she’s a “people’s person who enjoys helping others”.

Over the past four decades, Nancy has supported with general admin work, driven patients to-and-from the Day Hospice and volunteered on reception – roles that she has enjoyed doing because “it’s a privilege to help people at a time when they need it most”.

To recognise her outstanding commitment to the Hospice – and to celebrate the first Birmingham St Mary’s shop to open during its 40^th anniversary year – Nancy was invited to officially cut the ribbon at the Northfield store.

Based at 734 Bristol Road South, the shop is the charity’s 17^th across Birmingham, Sandwell and Solihull and aims to raise vital funds so the Hospice can continue to care for local people living with life-limiting illness.

Nancy said: “Birmingham St Mary’s has been a big part of my life over the last 40 years and so I feel really proud to come to Northfield today and officially open its latest shop. I remember when the Hospice opened its first-ever shop in Selly Park back in 1985, so it’s wonderful to see how far our shops have come since, with many more having been opened across our city and beyond.”

Birmingham St Mary’s Hospice was founded by former NHS matron Monica Pearce, whose mission was to “enable anyone with a life-limiting illness to live their life to the full” – a statement that the Hospice’s staff and volunteers still stand by today. When the Hospice first opened, it could care for just 25 people on any given day. Four decades later and the Hospice is supporting over 400 people every day, providing care in people’s homes, in the community, and at the Hospice itself.

The Hospice’s shops provide a vital source of income for the charity, ensuring it can continue to care for people at a time when they need it most, wherever and whenever they need it. In the last 12 months, the charity has launched four new shops, including its first in Sandwell.

Tina Swani, chief executive at Birmingham St Mary’s Hospice, was also present at the Northfield opening. She said: “Thank you so much to Nancy for coming down today to officially launch our Northfield shop. Volunteering for 40 years is an outstanding commitment and we are so grateful for all her support over the years.

“I would also like to thank everyone who came to the opening today. Our shops provide a crucial source of income for the Hospice – in fact, generous shoppers help raise over £1.5 million of the £8 million needed every year to run our vital services. That money goes a long way in supporting people to live well with life-limiting illness.”

Birmingham St Mary’s new shop will be open Monday to Saturday, 9am to 5pm and Sundays, 10am to 4pm 

An exhibition documenting the unique and alternative fan subculture surrounding German football club FC Sankt Pauli has opened to the public at Birmingham City University.

‘Sometimes Antisocial, Always Antifascist’, hosted by the School of Visual Communication at the University’s Parkside Gallery, features the first public show of 27 striking images produced by editorial and documentary photographer and academic Conrad Tracy, who graduated with a Master’s degree from Birmingham City University (UCE) in 1996.

The club’s now global reputation as ‘the football home for those without a home in football’ grew from a group of socially conscious, left wing and punk FC St Pauli supporters in the mid-1980s.

After adopting the skull and crossbones as their flag, and embracing political activism, anti-establishmentarianism ideals and bohemian lifestyles, the club’s fan base – reported to have the largest number of female fans in German football – developed in stark contrast to the racism, fascism and hooliganism that plagued British and European football clubs during the 1980s.

Dorset-based photographer Conrad Tracy spent seven years visiting Hamburg and building relationships with the FC St Pauli community before capturing fans at home and away, and artwork around the club’s Millentor Stadion ground, as well as documenting a Brooklyn, NYC fan chapter.

Notably, as featured in the series on show, a number of hard-core fans choose to emulate the style and uniform of the British and Irish ‘Skinhead’, ‘Suedehead’ and ‘Rude Boy’ anti-fascist subcultures of the late 1970s and early 1980s.

“The English game has suffered from years of mismanagement, corporate greed, fan apathy and the acceptance of a culture that is openly sexist and homophobic, and often racist and bigoted,” Tracy said, adding, “Sankt Pauli and its supporters offer an antidote to this.”

“In Germany fascism simmers barely below the surface at some Bundesliga clubs. However, in Hamburg there is an alternative in FC. Sankt Pauli, whose supporters define themselves as the antithesis of right-wing elements who hope to infiltrate football culture. The supporters are a living, breathing example of why not to judge people on appearance alone, fully embracing an ideology that rejects many of the stereotypes labelled at football supporters.”

“Skinheads, who are a large part of this project coming to fruition, use the motto; “Sometimes Anti-Social, Always Anti-Fascist”, as emblazoned on the entrance to their section of the ground. My work tries to capture a truly alternative attitude within football culture, introducing the viewer to the alternative spirit of FC Sankt Pauli and its community of supporters.”

Conrad Tracy has been photographing aspects of football culture, intermittently, over 20 years. Heads the BA (Hons) Commercial Photography course at AUB (Arts University Bournemouth) has freelanced for editorial clients, including the Observer Magazine and the Saturday and Sunday Times Magazines.

Other key themes that continue to be part of his photographic practice have looked at racism within the UK and ideas of class and masculinity.

His work has also been represented by both Photonica and Getty Images, for advertising and promotion. Conrad’s work has been exhibited nationally over the last 20 years and he continues to make personal work. Conrad chaired the War on Want Photography Award ‘Document’ 2010 as well as Co-curating an International Student Photography exhibition as part of New York Photography Festival 2010.

‘Sometimes Antisocial, Always Antifascist’ runs at Parkside Gallery, Birmingham City University until May 1.

A Birmingham City University researcher is examining the challenges facing Black and Minority Ethnic (BAME) women makers in the UK, in relation to their online profile and presence.

In collaboration with Crafts Council UK, Dr Karen Patel conducted interviews with 17 female craft makers who self-identify as from a BAME background, as well as hosting workshops in London and Birmingham to gather data for her study.

According to Crafts Council UK, there are an estimated 129,000 people working in craft occupations. 78 per cent of those in full-time employment are male, with women makers more likely to be self-employed and part-time.

“It is a concern that women tend to be in the more precarious positions in craft,” said Dr Karen Patel, a PhD scholar at Birmingham City University’s Centre for Media and Cultural Research.

“Furthermore, the women from BAME backgrounds who contributed to my research described how they were discouraged from pursing any type of career in craft, because it wasn’t considered a secure career choice.”

Dr Patel’s research found that cultural expectations of British South Asian women can deter creative career aspirations.

One participant said: “I’ve always wanted to do art, but it was a big struggle with my father. He just thought, ‘No, it’s not something that good Asian girls do’. I didn’t go to university because he refused.”

The research also discovered a lack of confidence amongst BAME women in using social media and fears that their identity being exposed online could impact on their success in the crafts industry.

“A conversation arose in the Birmingham workshop amongst Black women who said they didn’t post a picture of themselves online in association with their crafts work, for fear of it potentially devaluing their work or exposing themselves to criticism,” said Dr Patel.

Highlighting the importance of the research, Rosy Greenlees, Executive Director of Crafts Council UK, said: “Dr Patel’s research will feed in to how we support makers from any cultural background and at any stage of their career.

“In promoting craft businesses, the story of the maker is often deeply entwined with the craft product itself. The Crafts Council recognises that for the UK craft sector to continue to be world-leading we need to support and champion a diverse range of makers.”

Dr Karen Patel is continuing her research in a new two-year project funded by the Arts and Humanities Research Council, exploring diversity and expertise development in craft.

A true Birmingham rock legend is set to receive a coveted Lifetime Achievement Award at the Birmingham Music Awards.

Trevor Burton, co-founder of iconic Birmingham sixties band The Move will collect his award at The Mill on Lower Trinity Street in Digbeth in a room full to the brim with Birmingham’s music community.

The Move, the first Birmingham supergroup of the 1960s, was formed when a young David Bowie asked Trevor to rally Brum’s finest musicians and head to London to play.

Trevor had taught himself to play guitar as a boy, fast becoming one of the most accomplished musicians in the city, joining Danny King and the Mayfair Set aged just fifteen, then moving to London with Roy Wood, Bev Bevan, Carl Wayne and Ace Kefford.  The Move went on to achieve nine Top Ten hits including ‘Flowers in the Rain,’ the first single ever played on Radio One. When Trevor left in 1969 he formed another supergroup, ‘Balls,’ then toured with the Raymond Froggatt Band, international stars on the country and western scene and The Steve Gibbons Band, before touring the US supporting The Who.

Upon learning about the Award, Trevor Burton said: “I have had a fantastic career and a lifetime of rock and roll; I’ve enjoyed every single minute. To receive a Lifetime Achievement Award in my hometown is a real honour.”

Bev Bevan, drummer with The Move and ELO, said:  “Trevor is an incredible blues guitar player. After The Move he pursued his love of blues and played alongside Jimi Hendrix and many other great stars. We are all delighted he has been given the highest of accolades from Birmingham Music Awards. No-one is more deserving.”

Jo Jeffries, founder of the BMAs said: “What a legacy Trevor has forged. He has honoured the city by creating it’s first major supergroup in the 60s, his career has been the stuff of dreams and he just keeps on giving. He’s still a major influence on the rock and roll scene and an inspiration for musicians today. I have no doubt he will continue to be long into the future too.”

The Birmingham Music Awards is an annual search for Birmingham’s brightest and best musicians/music industry professionals. Entrants from across the region have been busy submitting their work in several different categories including Best Song, Best Album, Best Band, Best Live Venue, Rising Star, Best Radio Station and Best Promoter.  Judging is carried out by a panel of music industry professionals, all with an impressive track record in the business.

The organisers of the BMAs aim to bring together the best of the city’s contributors to music, to recognise achievements, support each other, create opportunities and collaborate for more Birmingham music success.

The project is backed by Duran Duran’s John Taylor, UB40, OMD frontman Andy McCluskey, Dapz on the Map, Martin ‘Ace’ Kent from rock band Skunk Anansie, Kieron Pepper (The Prodigy/Sleeper), Rob Holliday (Gary Numan/Marilyn Manson) and many more music industry heavyweights.

Health-permitting, UB40’s Brian Travers will be there to present Trevor’s Lifetime Achievement Award at The Mill on the May 16.

The Birmingham Music Awards and Duran Duran’s John Taylor are proud to support the amazing work that Changes UK are doing to help those less fortunate in our city to find recovery and fulfilling lives free from addiction.

Shortlisted entries can be found at: https://www.2343ec78a04c6ea9d80806345d31fd78-gdprlock/thebirminghammusicawards/

The new Construction Minister, Andrew Stephenson MP, should make it his mission to raise quality and standards in the construction industry through mandatory licensing, according to the Federation of Master Builders (FMB).

Brian Berry, Chief Executive of the FMB, said: “I warmly welcome Andrew Stephenson into his new role and I look forward to working with him to raise standards, quality and professionalism in the construction industry. The time is right to look at a meaningful way in which we can purge the sector of rogue firms and unprofessional outfits once and for all. With the publication of the Independent Review of Building Regulations and Fire Safety, and the quality of some new build homes being called into question, we need to act now to improve standards and increase productivity. A mandatory licensing scheme for the whole UK construction sector has widespread support among the industry and homeowners, alike. The Government must legislate to stop the scourge of unprofessional behaviour blighting the entire industry.”

Berry concluded: “With the recent appointment of a member of the FMB onto the Construction Leadership Council, we also look forward to working with the Minister on implementing the Sector Deal in a way that will help to unleash the potential of small to medium-sized construction firms. After all, they are the bedrock of the industry, training two-thirds of all construction apprentices and forming the supply chain of larger contractors. We must tirelessly work to remove barriers to SME construction companies if we are to deliver on the Government’s infrastructure targets.”

Sandwell Council has been selected for a special Early Years support scheme to give children and young people at risk in the borough a better chance in life.

The council is delighted to have been chosen to participate in the Early Years Transformation Academy, along with four other local authorities.

The areas were chosen in a competitive process from councils across England who expressed interest in the Early Intervention Foundation programme, which works to improve the lives of children at risk of experiencing negative outcomes.

Under the scheme the council will be working with the academy to find solutions for children with problems and build a shared vision of what maternity and early years services should be like in Sandwell in the future.

The Foundation encourages early intervention to problems, identifying and providing effective early support to children and young people who are at risk of poor outcomes.

It believes that effective early intervention works to prevent problems occurring or to tackle them head-on when they do, before problems get worse.

It also helps to foster personal strengths and skills that can prepare a child for adult life by supporting children’s physical, cognitive, behavioural, social and emotional development.

Lisa McNally, director of public health in Sandwell, said: “Improving the health of children is fundamental to our Sandwell 2030 Vision.

“Aside from being important in its own right, good child health leads to better education and employment prospects, and so is crucial to the future success of our borough.

“We’re really pleased to be chosen to join the Early Years Transformation Academy. It will allow us to build on the good local practice already in place and be truly ambitious for our children’s health and well-being going forward.”

Donna Molloy, the Foundation’s director of policy and practice, said: “The early years are a crucial time for children’s development, when evidence based on early intervention can make a big difference.

“The academy is designed to bring local partners together, with time and space to understand the evidence on what works to improve outcomes for children, explore new approaches and consolidate their existing provision.”

The 3rd International Youth Forum on Creativity and Heritage along the Silk Road opened in Changsha, capital of central China’s Hunan Province. On top of 27 high-ranking delegates from 13 member cities of the UNESCO Creative Cities Network, the event was joined by 124 young representatives from 85 Belt and Road countries.

The forum aims to strengthen exchanges and cooperation among the media art cities and creative young talents of the Belt and Road nations. Apart from the opening ceremony and the Original Changsha media arts show, it includes the Caribbean film festival, the Chinese-foreign youth networking event, the Experience Changsha Media Arts Residency Program and a meaningful tour of Changsha.

The forum this year focuses on media arts, creative ideas, integration and protection of cultural heritage. Jointly released by young participants on April 3, the document, called the Changsha Initiative, centers on five parts, namely creativity, innovation, exchange, capacity building and youth. They agreed that as a significant source of innovation and creativity, the young could benefit from and contribute to exchanges and mutual learning. Capable and skilled youth, from their perspective, is a new generation of dream chasers, who will make the world a better place.

A historic city with a history of more than three millennia, Changsha represents a hub of great significance in the middle reach of the Yangtze River. Also, it is the first Chinese city to be recognized by UNESCO as the world “Media Arts Center”.

The forum would offer a platform for the young attendees to increase cultural exchanges and carry forward the Silk Road spirit for further cooperation, said the event organizer. While striving to promote the enduring friendship with the Belt and Road countries, they will join hands to build a community with a shared future for mankind.

Audiences across the Midlands will be able to enjoy the adventures of Peter Pan as Birmingham Repertory Theatre announces a new staging of the J. M. Barrie classic for Christmas 2019.

Filled with swashbuckling adventure and the magic of youth, the eternal classic Peter Pan has enthralled audiences across generations. Now, following his highly acclaimed retelling of The Wizard of Oz at Birmingham Repertory Theatre last year, director Liam Steel returns to direct a striking new version based on J. M. Barrie’s original story.

All children, except one, grow up. One night, the headstrong Wendy Darling is visited by a mysterious boy floating outside her window. The mischievous stranger introduces himself as Peter Pan and after teaching Wendy and her two brothers to fly, invites them on a quest to an enchanted island called Neverland. It is a world of feisty fairies, malevolent mermaids and a raucous gang of abandoned Lost Children.

But a crew of ruthless pirates, led by the dastardly and vengeful Captain Hook, also await in Neverland. Can Wendy, Peter, and his gang band together to win the day as they cross paths and swords with the pirates? And will Wendy and her brothers ever find their way back home?

Director, Liam Steel said: “What better way to spend the run up to Christmas than travelling to Neverland to tell the famous story of the boy who didn’t want to grow up? With breath-taking flying, amazing adventures and all of your favourite characters, this magical story promises to be everything a Christmas treat should be. I am thrilled to be back at The REP to enable a bold new re-imagining of this classic tale to take flight, and with a healthy sprinkling of REP fairy dust, I promise we have all the vital ingredients for a wonderful Christmas show that can be enjoyed by everyone.”

Liam Steel is a multi-award winning director and choreographer whose most recent credit includes choreographer for the highly-acclaimed West End production of Stephen Sondheim’sCompany (2019 Olivier award nomination for Best Theatre Choreographer). His work has included creating productions for the National Theatre, The Globe, RSC, Birmingham Repertory Theatre, Royal Court, Manchester Royal Exchange, Chichester Festival Theatre, Frantic Assembly and many more. He is a core collaborator at Regents Park Open Air Theatre and has worked on ten productions there over ten seasons, including co-directing and choreographing Sondheim’s Into The Woods, which was awarded an Olivier Award for Best Musical Revival. He has created many award winning contemporary dance commissions, choreographed for Musical Theatre on the West End and Broadway. In the commercial sector his work includes creating all the musical staging and choreography for the film version of the musical Les Misérables – winner of 3 Oscars, 4 BAFTAS and 3 Golden Globes – including Best Motion Picture.

Peter Pan will be designed by Michael Pavelka (Funny Girl / West End; A Midsummer Night’s Dream and The Merchant of Venice / Propeller Theatre Company and Winner of 2009 TMA Award Best Set Design) with lighting design by Lee Curran (Woyzeck / Birmingham Repertory Theatre; Summer and Smoke / West End; Jesus Christ Superstar / Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre). Casting and further creatives to be announced.

As part of The REP’s commitment to making theatre accessible to everyone all performances ofPeter Pan between 5 December  and 19 January will be Audio Described and Captioned, meaning that audiences with visual or hearing impairments can enjoy these services on any performance.

Peter Pan will open at Birmingham Repertory Theatre on 30 November 2019 and run until 19 January 2020.

Roderick Williams OBE has been announced as being the new patron of the Birmingham Bach Choir.

The famed British baritone takes on the role as part of the choir’s year-long centenary celebrations, and will be marking his appointment with a Special Recital - Roderick Williams Sings Beethoven and Schubert - at Bromsgrove School, Worcestershire, on Thursday May 9.

With accompaniment from pianist Susie Allan, the must-see performance focuses on Ludwig van Beethoven's An die ferne Geliebte (To the distant beloved) and Franz Schubert's Schwanengesang (Swan Song).

Dating from 1816, Beethoven's An die ferne Geliebte is considered to be the first example of a song cycle by a major composer. Featuring six songs, they collectively capture the yearning, pain of separation, suffering, hope, and enrapture of a lover.

Published posthumously in 1829, just a few months after the composer succumbed to typhoid fever, Schubert's Schwanengesang provides musical settings for verses by three leading 19th century poets. Several of these were passed to Schubert by Beethoven's assistant, and Schubert's cycle shares similar themes - lost love, seduction, joy, hope - to that of An die ferne Geliebte.

Roderick Williams is one of his generation’s greatest performers. Winner of the Royal Philharmonic Society Awards Singer of the Year 2016, Roderick was awarded the OBE for services to music in June 2017 and works regularly with all of the major UK opera houses, as well as singing with many major ensembles, including the Berlin Philharmonic, New York Philharmonic, Royal Scottish National Orchestra, and the BBC orchestras.

In 2015 he sang Christus in Peter Sellars’ staging of the St John Passion with the Berlin Philharmonic conducted by Sir Simon Rattle, and returned to the role earlier this year with both the Berlin Philharmonic and the Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment.

His numerous recordings include Vaughan Williams, Berkeley and Britten operas for Chandos, and an extensive repertoire of English song with pianist Iain Burnside for Naxos.  He’s in the process of recording Schubert’s three cycles for Chandos.

Discussing his appointment with choir, Roderick said: "I’m delighted to be associated with the Birmingham Bach Choir; living as I do in the Midlands makes this pretty much my local choir. My association with Paul Spicer goes back more than thirty years, so I am especially pleased to support the work he has done, and continues to do, with this proud and magnificent choir."

One of the largest and oldest chamber choirs in the West Midlands, Birmingham Bach Choir have played a central role in the region’s rich cultural life for 100 years, a historic occasion they’re celebrating with a series of special concerts and appearances. The choir were recently invited to provide a musical setting for the unveiling the Sousse and Bardo memorial in Birmingham, a ceremony attended by His Royal Highness The Duke of Sussex, Prince Harry.

After years in the making and doubts about whether it would ever come the fruition, it has finally been revealed that the ‘Celebration Statue,’ a tribute to West Bromwich Albion legends; the late Cyrille Regis MBE and Laurie Cunningham, and Brendon Batson OBE, will be installed in New Square, in West Bromwich.

There have been doubts as to whether the statue would ever completed and see the light of day but, following huge fundraising efforts; which includes a £38,000 donated by the Professional Footballers' Association the 10ft bronze statue will finally be unveiled.

PFA chief executive Gordon Taylor OBE said: “The PFA has been determined to get this important tribute to ‘The Three Degrees’ over the line and mark their great contribution to football and equality for time immemorial.”

Jim Cadman, who has led the campaign for the Celebration Statue, added: “The Three Degrees were true pioneers of the game who made genuine football history in West Bromwich.

“The Celebration Statue will convey passion, strength and achievement to a global football audience and support the fight to remove all aspects of racism from our beautiful game.”

The ‘Celebration Statue’ will be unveiled on May 22.

The University of Wolverhampton (UoW) hosted a special event to celebrate the 550^th Birth Anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev Ji at the Chancellor’s Hall.

The event was organised by the centre for Sikh and Panjabi studies, of UoW, and supported by Consulate General of India, Birmingham.

More than 200 guests from across the UK were there to pay tribute to Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the revered first Sikh Guru.

The event commenced with the welcoming of the guests by the Vice Chancellor of University of Wolverhampton, Prof. Geoff Layer, and featured inspirational speeches from Dr. Opinderjit Kaur Takhar, Director of Centre for Sikh and Panjabi studies, Deputy High Commissioner, Mr. Charanjeet Singh, Lord Suri, Dr. Mohinder Singh, Chairman GNNSJ, Baba Amar Singh Ji, Consul General Dr Aman Puri among others; with speeches highlighting the various aspects of Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s life, his teachings and how he continues to be an inspiration for millions of Sikhs and people belonging to all faiths across the world.

Member of European Parliament, Ms. Neena Gill, Baba Amar Singh Ji, Chairman of the Council of Gurdwara Management Committees UK Avtar Singh, Dr Sadhu Singh, Chairman of the Council of Sikh Gurdwaras, Chief executive officer of Sun Mark, Dr Rami Ranger and a number of other prominent members of the Indian diaspora shared their thoughts on Guru Nanak's teachings and how Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s message of Compassion and Contentment is as relevant today as much as it was 550 years ago.

 The celebrations, which filled the Chancellor’s Hall at the Wulfruna Building, featured a string of speeches, motivational messages of peace, gender equality, rejecting discrimination and promoting harmony among communities. Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s philosophy has a timeless quality and universal appeal.

Mayor of West Midlands Andy Street thanked the Sikhs across the Midlands region for their outstanding contribution to the community. He also appreciated the noble initiative of celebrating the Prakash Parv in Midlands.

The event concluded with the ensemble of religious songs by Mr. Jas Wohra, Managing Director, East End Foods Plc, creating a spiritual environment at the Chancellor’s Hall. Communities across the globe will mark the anniversary with a series of events throughout this year, with the UK expected to host the biggest celebrations outside India.